Good for the Cubs. They are in a division that is on the decline and siezed an oppurtunity to improve their team and took it. Is the contract outrageous? Yes. Is it for too long? Yes. Are the Cubs better today than they were a week ago? Yes. Isn't that the goal? Yes.

Does Cub management care because the Tribune Company is supposedly being sold

And don't you think this contract would hurt the cause of selling off the Cubs if it is that bad?

Will the Cubs be looking to dump that contract in three or four years, if not sooner

ahhh, the pleasure about worrying about 3 years from now. I want them to be good in 2007. We can worry about 2010 if we get there.

Does signing Soriano guarantee anything other than a bit of publicity

Really? You mean there is a FA out there right now (or ever)that does guarantee something? Well, then we should be talking to that guy! Who is it? I have to know. It must be the "secret guy" we are going to trade for over the winter.

If it is a good contract, it will drive up the value from the seller's side.A buyer would have to be worried though if the contract is so out of line that they cannot get out from under it.

Again with your over simplistic view of things. You can think like that, you are a fan. Ownership cannot

Back to my simplistic view. Forget my view, or your view. The best way to build for the future is to win today. Bringing in better players HELPS you win today.

I dunno. You seem to think its Soriano

I think Soriano was the best position player available in free agency. Did I ever say bring in Soriano and we win the World Series. No. Do we need better players at some positions? Yes. That is all I am saying.

I have already agreed that Soriano ended up being out of our price range. I don't think Lee, Zito, or Schmidt will take as much $$$$ or years and I think the Tribe should be making a run at signing one of these guys. Why? Because they make us better, which I think is the primary objective.

Lee has been described as a DH in waiting. The Indians already have a Dh. I'd like an OF who can at least make an attempt to catch the ball.

Like Soriano?

Seriously though, there is not all that much ground to cover in left field at the Jake and all of these other teams (including NL teams) don't seem to be too worried about his glove. Maybe our front office is just that much smarter. Besides, how much less ground can he cover that Fred Flinstone?

Zito - the NY Mets have his former pitching coach with the As - have money to spend and want starting pitching - somehow i don't think the Indians can win that battle without doing something dumb

Agreed. I am more than a little surprised that a deal is not already done with them. Makes me think that maybe there is an opening to go ahead and throw a grenade through.

Schmidt - has said all along that its either back to Seattle or staying in SF, doesn't sound like he even wants to listen to anyone else.